1. Offline-First Architecture & Data Privacy

AltiTrek is designed with an offline-first architecture. It requires no user accounts, no login credentials, and no JV Logic Software company servers.

To ensure full transparency regarding when an internet connection is and is not used:

• Online Features: An internet connection is used solely to stream public OpenStreetMap tiles, query the OpenStreetMap Overpass API to discover local trails in your area, and perform user-initiated backups to your personal Google Drive. Once map tiles and trails are loaded or saved, they are cached locally on your device for offline use on the trail.
• 100% Offline Core Operations: Live GPS tracking, breadcrumb trail logging, barometric pressure monitoring, storm/squall warnings, Bluetooth heart rate pairing, pedometer step counting, and personal journal logs operate entirely offline directly on the physical device—zero mobile reception or internet connection required.
• No Company Cloud or Third-Party Tracking: Recorded GPS trails, elevation profiles, waypoints, notes, photos, and star ratings are never transmitted to JV Logic Software or third-party advertising, telemetry, or marketing servers. Your data only leaves your device if you explicitly choose to initiate an optional backup to your personal Google Drive account.
• No Analytics SDKs: No third-party behavioral analytics, trackers, or advertising networks are embedded in AltiTrek.
• No Tracking IDs: AltiTrek does not read, generate, or share advertising IDs or device fingerprints.

2. Device Hardware Permissions & Usage

AltiTrek requests specific Android hardware permissions strictly to deliver navigation and health metrics locally:

A. Location Services (Foreground & Background GPS)

• Precise Location (GPS): Used directly on the device to compute real-time coordinates, speed, ground elevation, and distance along planned trails.
• Background Location: While an active trek recording session is running, background location allows AltiTrek to log the breadcrumb trail when the screen is turned off. Background logging terminates immediately when the user taps "Finish" or "Stop Trek". Location data never leaves the phone.

B. Hardware Barometer & Motion Sensors

• Barometer Sensor: Reads atmospheric pressure directly from the phone's internal barometric sensor to calculate barometric altitude alongside GPS and detect storm pressure drops.
• Step Counter & Pedometer: Reads the hardware step detector locally to track steps and cadence during hikes and runs.

C. Camera & Local Storage (Waypoints & Photos)

• Camera: Used exclusively when the user chooses to take a landmark or trail waypoint photo within AltiTrek. Photos are stored locally in the application's private sandbox storage on the device.
• Local File Export: When the user exports a PDF expedition report or high-resolution trail card, files are saved locally to device storage or shared via Android's native system share sheet.

D. Bluetooth Low Energy (Smartwatch & Heart Rate Monitor)

• Bluetooth Connection: Used to discover and connect paired Bluetooth Low Energy smartwatches or heart rate chest straps. Real-time Heart Rate (BPM) and aerobic training zones are displayed directly on the screen. No health data leaves the local Bluetooth connection.

E. Network & Internet Usage (Map Tiles & Trail Discovery)

• Map Tile Streaming: When browsing the map online, AltiTrek downloads public OpenStreetMap tiles. These tiles are cached in your device's local storage so previously viewed regions remain viewable offline when out on the trail without mobile reception.
• Local Trail Discovery: When connected to the internet, AltiTrek queries the public OpenStreetMap Overpass API to surface nearby hiking, cycling, and walking trails and their elevation profiles. Once saved to your To-Do list, track coordinates are stored permanently in your offline database.
• Google Drive Sync: When initiated by the user, internet connectivity is used to transfer backup files directly to the user's personal Google Drive account.

3. Data Storage & Optional Google Drive Backup

A. Local On-Device Storage (Default)

By default, all track logs, water tracking records, To-Do lists, and journal entries are stored directly on your phone in the application's private offline database.

B. Optional Google Drive Backup (User-Initiated)

AltiTrek provides an optional feature allowing you to export and back up your trek files (GPX, journals) to your own personal Google Drive account:

• Direct & Private Connection: Data is transmitted directly between your phone and your personal Google Drive account via Google's official Android authentication and Storage Access Framework.
• No Intermediary Access: JV Logic Software has no access to your Google account credentials, does not operate an intermediary server, and cannot view, modify, or delete your files stored on Google Drive.
• Strictly Opt-In: Backing up to Google Drive is 100% optional. If you do not enable or trigger a Google Drive sync, no data ever leaves your device.
• User Control & Erasure: You can disconnect Google Drive access or delete your uploaded backup files at any time directly through your Google Drive app or account.

C. Local Data Erasure

Uninstalling AltiTrek or clearing app data in Android System Settings permanently deletes all locally stored tracks and data from your device.

4. Children's Privacy

AltiTrek does not collect personal data from any user, including children under the age of 13.

5. Contact JV Logic Software

For questions regarding AltiTrek's offline architecture or privacy standards:

JV Logic Software
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://jvlogicsoftware.com